Massabesic Nature Store Associate

TITLE: Massabesic Nature Store Associate

LOCATION: Massabesic Center, Auburn, NH

HOURS: 25 hours per week, part-time, non-exempt (hourly paid) staff position.  Additional hours may be required as necessary. Schedule may vary according to needs.

SCHEDULE: Wednesday 10:45-5, Thursday 10:45-5, Friday 10:45-5, Saturday 10:45-5

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by presenting as the face of the Massabesic Center, providing quality customer service to visitors and the general public, overseeing all aspects of Nature Shop operations, and generating memberships and sales to benefit the organization.  Responsibilities include greeting visitors, keeping working knowledge of center and organization activities, upholding a tidy and presentable visitor space, conducting retail sales, and maintaining store inventory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Oversee the Massabesic Center Nature Store and front desk in order to provide a quality service for members and the public and generate a mission-driven brand merchandising center for the organization by: 

• Greeting, assisting, and directing visitors to other NHA programs areas.
• Responding to customer inquiries via phone, email and in person.
• Fielding questions from the public and private event rentals.
• Promoting NHA membership and programs whenever possible.
• Managing the Center’s calendar and bulletin boards for volunteer events, educational programs, and meetings.
• Performing light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe environment in visitor spaces.
• Assessing and evaluating existing inventory and remarketing items to sell under the supervision of the Nature Store Manager.
• Maintaining a working knowledge of current products, especially as related to wildlife watching and bird feeding.
• Maintaining a reputation for the store as a source of expertise on mission-related products.
• Developing and creating displays for inventory and rotating stock to create visually pleasing merchandise presentations.
• Performing other duties as assigned. 

LEADERSHIP: Reports to Nature Store Manager

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity.  Non-smoking environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School graduate or GED required.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience: One to three years retail, visitor services, and/or wholesale management experience required; experience in volunteer management with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions.  Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse community.  Must have experience with MS Office products and database programs. Basic understanding of natural history and New Hampshire’s wildlife, especially birds, helpful but not required. 

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: This position is under the Operations Department which includes maintenance, Nature Store, IT, and interactions with the public. As such, there is a certain amount of cross training and support necessary to be successful in this role. Must have the ability to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, ability to work independently, and a professional and courteous manner is necessary.   Must have the ability to represent the organization in a positive and pleasing manner and comply with professional dress standards. 

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 50 pounds.  Must be able to transport and set up tables, chairs, etc.   

COMPENSATION: Compensation for this hourly, part-time position is $15 - $16 an hour; commensurate with experience. This position is also eligible for vacation and sick time, paid holidays, tax deferred retirement plan, a free NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals and employee discounts. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:  

NH Audubon is a welcoming, inclusive organization committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.